Question
I have 12 phalaenopsis plants, between 2 & 5 years old ( last re-potted 2 years ago) Normally at this time they would all be putting up new flower shoots, but instead of this I have a mass of healthy aerial roots, some over 24" long, and up to 10 per plant. Looks like I need to re-pot, doesn磘 it ? But what happens if I have to break off some of the roots, cos they磍l never fit into a pot? Will it stimulate the plant to produce more, or will it die because it has been deprived of it磗 source of nutrients ?
What would you suggest, some of these roots have even started clinging on to walls and pictures ! Thank you in advance.

Answer
Hi Lynn,

Two years or longer between repotting is a little long for phals which prefer annual repotting.  

Don't worry too much about damaging aerial roots while repotting.  If any happen to break or crack during handling, cut the root at the break and treat the end with a little powdered cinnamon.  Why?  Cinnamon has some mild anti- fungal and bacterial properties and will help prevent or minimize any possible infection.  When it comes time for the roots to begin new growth, the broken ones will send out branches.  

LOL, with your statement that they are starting up the wall and clinging to pictures I have a mental picture of your entire home being taken over by roots!  (grin)

Hope this helped.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.